Method and apparatus for differential voltage grid-based moisture monitoring of structures

摘要

A method and apparatus for differential voltage grid-based moisture monitoring of structures is provided. The method involves detecting a defect in a structural component, the structural component comprising a membrane for fluid impermeability, a deck for supporting the membrane, and a plurality of electrically conductive elements adjacent the membrane and electrically insulated from each other, by sensing the potential difference between a first element of the plurality of elements and a second element of the plurality of elements separated from the first element when there is an electrical potential between the deck and an electrically conductive fluid in contact with the first and second elements. The apparatus includes a switching circuit for connecting a voltage measuring circuit to the first and second elements, the voltage measuring circuit being operable to sense the potential difference between the first and second elements.

主权项

1. A method of detecting a defect in a structural component, the structural component comprising a membrane for fluid impermeability, a deck for supporting the membrane, and a plurality of electrically conductive elements adjacent the membrane and electrically insulated from each other, the method comprising:
(a) determining electrical resistance between respective said elements of each of a plurality of pairs of said elements disposed at an upper surface of the membrane opposite the deck; (b) supplying an electrically conductive fluid to the membrane at said upper surface until determining by step (a) that said electrically conductive fluid is in contact with a first said element, a second said element separate from said first element, and at least one said element other than said first and second elements; and then (c) sensing the potential difference between said first and second elements when an electrical power generating circuit is selectably connected by a switching circuit to said at least one element such that said generating circuit is generating an electrical potential between the deck and said electrically conductive fluid.